Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Swabbing the Urban Environment - A Pipeline for Sampling and Detection of SARS-CoV-2 From Environmental Reservoirs
Published on: April 9, 2021
SARS-CoV-2 detection in hospital indoor environments, NW Iran
Amir Mohammadi1, Ali Soleimani2, Ali Abdolahnejad1
1Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran.
Abstract:
This study aimed to investigate the potential contamination of SARS-CoV-2 in indoor settled dust and surfaces of Amir Al-Muminin hospital in Maragheh, Iran. Samples were taken from surfaces and settled dust using a passive approach and particulate matter (PM) using an active approach from different hospital wards. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 15% of settled dust samples (N = 4/26) and 10% of surface samples (3/30). SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in 13.8% and 9.1% of the dust samples collected at a distance of fewer than 1 m and more than 3 m from the patient bed, respectively. SARS-CoV-2 was found in 11% of surface samples from low-touch surfaces and 8% from high touch surfaces. The relationship between PM2.5, PM10, humidity, temperature, and positive samples of SARS-CoV-2 was investigated. A positive correlation was observed between relative humidity, PM2.5, and positive SARS-CoV-2 samples. Principal component analysis (PCA) suggested positive correlation between positive SARS-CoV-2 samples, relative humidity, and PM2.5. Risk assessment results indicated that the annual mean infection risk of SARS-CoV-2 for hospital staff with illness and death was 2.6 × 10-2 and 7.7 × 10-4 per person per year. Current findings will help reduce the permanence of viral particles in the COVID 19 tragedy and future similar pandemics e.g., novel influenza viruses.
Insights
SARS-CoV-2 was detected in hospital dust and surfaces, with higher contamination near patients. Relative humidity and PM2.5 levels correlated with virus presence, posing infection risks for staff.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Virology
- Hospital Infection Control
- Public Health
Background:
- Indoor environments, including hospitals, can harbor SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces and in settled dust.
- Understanding viral persistence in dust and on surfaces is crucial for infection control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate SARS-CoV-2 contamination in settled dust and on surfaces within a hospital setting.
- To explore the relationship between environmental factors (PM2.5, PM10, humidity, temperature) and viral presence.
- To assess the infection risk for hospital staff.
Main Methods:
- Passive sampling of settled dust and surfaces, and active sampling of particulate matter (PM) from hospital wards.
- RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV-2 detection in dust and surface samples.
- Statistical analysis including correlation and Principal Component Analysis (PCA).
Main Results:
- SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 15% of settled dust samples and 10% of surface samples.
- Viral presence was noted in dust samples closer to patient beds (<1m) and on low-touch surfaces.
- Positive correlations were found between SARS-CoV-2 detection, relative humidity, and PM2.5 levels.
Conclusions:
- Hospital dust and surfaces can serve as reservoirs for SARS-CoV-2.
- Environmental factors like humidity and PM2.5 may influence viral persistence.
- Findings inform strategies to mitigate viral spread during pandemics like COVID-19.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
01:29Coronavirus